US consul officer shows Tagalog skills

By David Dizon, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – If you’re getting a visa at the US Embassy in Manila, there’s a chance you might see Consular Officer Dustin Bradshaw. Just don’t be surprised when he starts talking to you in Tagalog or Filipino.

Bradshaw said he studied Tagalog at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington DC for 4 months before he was assigned to the US Embassy. He said he and his wife have been in Manila for a year.

To show off his Tagalog skills, Bradshaw even translated the latest rainfall alert from state weather bureau PAGASA.
Why visas get denied

At the Embassy, Bradshaw said he usually handles “problematic” visa applications. He is also helping to explain the upcoming US elections on November 6.

Bradshaw denied that the US Embassy rejects up to 80% of tourist visa applications daily because of an alleged quota. He said the opposite is true: out of 1,200-1,500 applications daily, the Embassy approves about 1,000.

He also said there is not one single reason why people’s visa applications are rejected.

Bradshaw said applicants can check the US Embassy website and blog to check out some of the questions asked during the interviews.

He said Filipinos can also ask for a translator if they feel uncomfortable about answering in English. He said what is important is that the officer knows the truth about the applicant and that there is no “immigrant intent.”